Technology is neither good nor bad, but can we say the same for the handful of multinational technology companies that produce most of the technology? Seven companies dominate digital life and their platforms influence the lives of billions of people.

The concern begins with the sheer concentration of power: a few corporations control the digital infrastructure through which citizens engage with the world. This centralization undermines diversity of voices and creates gatekeepers who decide what information is visible and what is hidden. Algorithms designed to maximize profit often amplify sensational or polarizing content, spreading misinformation and distorting public debate. Citizens may think they are freely choosing what to read or watch, but in reality their choices are nudged by invisible systems that prioritize engagement over truth. Privacy is another casualty—personal data is harvested and sold, leaving individuals vulnerable to manipulation. Big Tech’s ability to capture unprecedented amounts of personal data, including location, social networks, and real-time activity has often aided governments in conducting mass surveillance. They have created products and tools that aid governments in targeting political dissent, suppressing opposing views and rendering unfavourable reporting invisible. At the same time, governments also rely heavily on Big Tech infrastructure such as cloud services, communication platforms, and AI systems to provide essential functions of the state. This dependence makes it difficult for nations to regulate or disengage technology companies without risking disruption. Thus, it can be argued that Big Tech erodes trust, weakens oversight, and concentrates influence in ways that threaten the foundations of democratic society.

Conversely, Big Tech can be viewed as a powerful force for strengthening democratic institutions by expanding participation and empowering voices that might otherwise be silenced. Social media and digital platforms allow ordinary citizens, grassroots activists, and marginalized communities to bypass traditional media gatekeepers and speak directly to mass audiences. Movements such as student protests, climate activism, and pro‑democracy protests have relied on these tools to mobilize support and hold power to account. Big Tech also provides unprecedented access to information, enabling fact‑checking, citizen journalism, and watchdog activism. Furthermore, global connectivity enabled by Big Tech strengthens solidarity across borders, allowing citizens to coordinate against authoritarianism and advocate for human rights. Beyond political mobilization, these platforms unlock quick and direct access to free educational resources, government services, and real-time news. Economically, digital platforms create opportunities for small businesses and civic organizations, fostering inclusion and participation. Seen through this lens, one could argue that Big Tech provides tools that can make democracy more open, responsive, and inclusive.

This is not a debate about technology per se. It is a question of whether the companies who control the levers of the technology pose a danger to democratic institutions, or not.